Air travel faced significant disruptions on Monday as volcanic ash plumes from Ethiopia forced multiple airlines to cancel flights and prompted India's aviation regulator to issue a safety advisory.
DGCA Takes Preventive Action
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued an official advisory to all Indian airlines and airports following the volcanic activity in Ethiopia. The regulatory body emphasized the importance of passenger safety and operational precautions when dealing with volcanic ash clouds.
The advisory was issued on November 24, 2025, as volcanic ash began affecting flight routes between India and various international destinations. Aviation experts consider volcanic ash particularly dangerous for aircraft as it can damage engines and compromise flight systems.
Airlines Respond to Ash Threat
Several major carriers proactively cancelled flights in response to the developing situation. Among the affected airlines were Akasa Air, IndiGo, and KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, all of which cancelled specific flights scheduled for Monday.
The flight cancellations primarily affected routes passing through airspace contaminated by the volcanic ash plume. Airlines prioritized passenger safety over schedule adherence, following established protocols for such natural phenomena.
Airline representatives confirmed they were monitoring the situation closely and would resume normal operations once aviation authorities declared the affected airspace safe for travel.
Impact on Indian Travelers
The flight disruptions came as a surprise to many Indian travelers, particularly those with connecting flights through affected regions. Airport authorities across India reported assisting passengers with rebooking options and providing updates about the evolving situation.
Aviation officials recommended that passengers check with their airlines before heading to airports and allow extra time for potential schedule changes. The DGCA advisory also outlined specific measures for airlines to implement, including enhanced weather monitoring and alternative routing possibilities.
While the immediate impact was limited to specific flights, aviation authorities warned that continued volcanic activity could lead to more widespread disruptions if ash clouds spread to additional flight paths.
